Earthquake strikes in the south of the country

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck an area near Golfito in southern Costa Rica along the border with Panama at approximately 1125 local time on 11 March 2009. The earthquake was felt less strongly in San Jose, which is located approximately 215 mi/350 km northeast of Golfito. Later in the afternoon, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in an area 59 mi/94 km west of David, Panama, at 1503 (2103 UTC). Although there were reports of power and communications disruptions in the southern part of Costa Rica after the first earthquake, the tremour caused only minor damage to buildings.